To the Editor:

Holidays are certainly a time to celebrate, but, unfortunately, they also are typically a time when drunk driving increases.

Halloween is no different. There were 59 fatalities in the United States as a result of drunk driving on Halloween in 2013, an increase from 2012. (2013 NHTSA FARS Data) Children will be out trick-or-treating and people of all ages will be enjoying festivities, so public safety needs to be top of mind for everyone. Law enforcement will be conducting high visibility enforcement efforts, and the tireless work they do on holidays and throughout the year to protect the public from the dangers of drunk and drugged driving should be appreciated. All adults 21 and over need to plan ahead with a designated non-drinking driver if their celebrations include alcohol, and to ensure alcohol isn’t provided to anyone under 21.

With so many transportation options – taxis, ridesharing and technology services like Uber, Lyft and Luxe, public transportation – there’s no excuse for anyone to drink and drive. Together, we can make sure Halloween is a safe, fun time for everyone.

Eric Creamer

State Executive Director

Mothers Against 

Drunk Driving